Fannie, Freddie Slash Funding for Charities

"It was horrific. We had to do extra publicity about it being on, but it was too late," Funke said. The nonprofit has lowered its fundraising goal for this year's walkathon.

The changes at Fannie and Freddie further cloud the future.

"It makes me a little nervous to say the least," said Linda Dunphy, executive director of Doorways, an Arlington-based charity for women and families. Freddie Mac is one of its biggest contributors, giving $300,000 over the past two years. Its name is on one of Doorways' shelters.

Dunphy said her organization is going after stimulus money related to its mission and trying to bring in new partners. Board members routine ask her about the future of Freddie Mac money.

Freddie Mac declined to comment on any specific grants.

The National Center for Children and Families, which does work in Maryland and the District, has seen funding from Freddie dry up for a few programs and expects more cuts to come.

Executive director Sheryl Brissett-Chapman said she was told funding was being cut because of an overall reduction in giving as well as changing priorities as Freddie focuses on its core mission.

She said losing that money could hurt children who have benefited from programs at charities like hers.

"Freddie's been so good at the prevention/early intervention stuff," Brissett-Chapman said. "If you don't do it, these children become at risk for going into the system."